By Gloria Ikibah
Tensions rose at the National Assembly on Wednesday as the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy ordered the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to appear before it in person on Tuesday, 2 March, after he failed to attend an ongoing investigative hearing in Abuja.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Afam Ogene, made it clear that the panel would not treat the matter lightly, directing the Agency to submit a detailed written response to all issues raised within 48 hours. 
“We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Ogene stated.
Committee members voiced sharp frustration over the absence of the Managing Director, describing it as unacceptable in the context of a formal parliamentary probe.
Rep. Kwamoti Laori characterised the development as deeply disrespectful and warned that such conduct should not be tolerated. He urged that, should the directive be ignored, a warrant of arrest be issued through the Inspector-General of Police.
Rep. Shina Oyedeji echoed similar concerns, stressing that heads of public agencies must be prepared to account for their stewardship, particularly when overseeing significant grants and public funds.
In response, the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the REA, Gboyega Ayoade, appeared before the Committee and offered an unreserved apology. He appealed for additional time, insisting that the Managing Director’s absence was neither deliberate nor intended as a slight against lawmakers.
The session also drew input from industry stakeholders. The National President of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), High Chief Vitus Ofodum Vitus Ikenna, urged the Committee to require the engagement of certified electrical professionals on renewable energy projects nationwide.
He warned that assigning green energy contracts to entities lacking technical expertise risks substandard installations, safety breaches and financial losses.
LECAN, whose members are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) under the Electricity Act 2023, raised concerns that several donor-funded renewable energy projects have been awarded to unqualified contractors, resulting in abandoned or failed installations.
Ikenna called for stronger enforcement powers for NEMSA to prosecute violations of safety and technical standards, arguing that tighter oversight is essential to safeguard lives, promote sustainability and ensure value for public expenditure in Nigeria’s expanding renewable energy sector.
